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DictionarywhineHigh-pitched sound
noun / verb

whine

WYNE/waɪn/

A prolonged, high-pitched sound.

The child's prolonged whine about the vegetables irritates his weary mother.

A child whines about the vegetables on his plate, pointing at them with a scrunched, open-mouthed pout while his mother reacts with weary irritation.
Etymology
whineOld Englishto whiz, hiss, or whistle

Old English hwinan described arrows whizzing or whistling through the air. The word later described drawn-out sounds of distress, then complaints characterized by a thin, plaintive delivery.

In context

Jordan Peterson Fan Channel1:17
you don't have to have any responsibility you can all whine about how wretched life is
How to Know Your True Friends - Prof. Jordan Peterson

More examples

  • A mosquito whines near my ear.
  • The puppy lets out a long whine behind the gate.
  • The engine whined as the truck climbed the steep hill.

Forms

whine · whines · whined · whining

Similar words

squeal
Usually suggests a louder, more piercing, often shorter sound.
whistle
Suggests a clearer tone, often produced by moving air.